Ms. Lori Surmay, Attorney

Attorney Lori Surmay became a partner in Claiborne, Outman & Surmay, P.C. in January 2001 upon formation of the firm. Previously, she became associated with the predecessor law firm of Ruth F. Claiborne, P.C. in 1998. The current corporation was formed and attorney James B. Outman joined upon his retirement from Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Lori was uniquely qualified to join this practice by virtue of her intellect, individuality, and experience.

From 1993 to 1998, Lori served as law clerk to the Honorable Hilton Fuller of the DeKalb County Superior Court, where she reviewed approximately 250 adoption cases. Previously, Lori concentrated her work on criminal defense, handling primarily federal appeals and death penalty cases. Lori represents clients in all aspects of the adoption and reproductive technology practice. Lori is a sought-after speaker on adoption law at numerous seminars and forums; she has served as a faculty member of the "Adoption Law and Practice" seminars sponsored by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia since 1998. Lori also worked extensively with the Georgia Courts Automation Commission, which promotes automation of judicial processes in Georgia by planning and implementing pilot projects such as electronic courtrooms, real-time virtual testimony and electronic filing.

Lori devotes substantial energy and passion to her adoption and reproductive technology work. From the moment you walk in the door, Lori listens to your needs, making your family's concerns her first priority and answering your questions thoroughly. She enjoys educating you about your numerous family-building options and then working together with you to develop a plan tailor-made for your situation, including attention to its financial impact. Lori pairs her enthusiasm with diligence and attention to detail. She carefully manages all aspects of your case, problem-solving when needed, and leaving no loose ends. Lori communicates directly and candidly, but compassionately. Lori is respected and liked within many diverse groups and communities, in part because she enjoys learning about others. Always ready to share a laugh Lori relishes trading stories and jokes. She relates well to kids of all ages and fills her office with pictures of clients' children, personal heroes, good friends and pets.

With a background in journalism, Lori brings special skills to helping you develop your profile. A crucial part of the adoption process, the profile is a booklet of photos and text about you which introduces you, as a prospective adoptive parent, to birth parents. When it is time to finalize your adoption, Lori has particular insight into the workings of courts, clerks, judges and state and county agencies which she gained during her years of employment with the DeKalb County Superior Court. Using her varied experience, Lori integrates areas as diverse as advising you on finding your birth mother, pursuing your name change prior to finalizing your adoption, making decisions regarding sperm or egg donation, and choosing an appropriate surrogate.

Lori Surmay received her A.B.J. in journalism from the University of Georgia in 1984, with a minor in English. She earned her J.D., also from the University of Georgia, in 1992. During law school, Lori was one of four students selected for the National Mock Trial team and one of twelve students selected by the faculty for the Lumpkin Inn of Court. Both faculty and students voted her Outstanding Third Year Woman Law Student, an award sponsored by the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. She has been elected to membership in the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Lori has served as a faculty member of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy program teaching litigation skills to law students, judged law school trial and moot court competitions, and co-chaired Law Day for the DeKalb Bar Association. She is also called upon to speak to community organizations. After she worked with mental health experts during a notable criminal trial, a leading forensic psychiatrist invited her to speak on youth gang violence and the court system. Other groups, including the Feminist Women's Health Center in Atlanta, often ask Lori to give presentations regarding fertility and adoption options.

Lori is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, admitted to practice in all levels of state and federal courts in Georgia; DeKalb Bar Association; Stonewall Bar Association - Board Member; and a member of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers.